“I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony,” Ayade stated, suggesting that the directive may have been influenced by political actors he accused of hostility toward him and his supporters during the 2023 elections.
By TheInvestigator
Former Cross River State Governor, Sen Ben Ayade, has announced his withdrawal from the Cross River North senatorial race, stating that the decision follows a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a lengthy statement made public on Monday, Ayade disclosed that he was invited to Abuja for what he described as a “high-level national consultation” with the presidency, after which he was asked to shelve his senatorial ambition. While expressing deep disappointment, the former governor said he had chosen to honour the President’s request.
“I yield to his request even as I pour tears of ill treatment and agony,” Ayade stated, suggesting that the directive may have been influenced by political actors he accused of hostility toward him and his supporters during the 2023 elections.
Ayade alleged that individuals who previously opposed him and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State, particularly over the controversial Muslim-Muslim presidential ticket, are now beneficiaries of the decision. He further claimed that some of these actors were involved in violence during election collation processes, though he did not provide specific names.
The former governor used the opportunity to highlight his contributions to the APC, noting that he was the first governor from the South-South region to join and build the party in the zone. He also emphasized his role in delivering electoral victories for the party in Cross River, including what he described as a historic margin in the presidential election.
Ayade lamented that despite his efforts and loyalty, he has remained without a federal appointment for over three years. He also referenced his financial and logistical support to the party, including donations during national conventions and ongoing grassroots mobilization initiatives.
Reflecting on past political experiences, Ayade recalled that he had previously stepped down from contests in 2007 and 2015 at the behest of party leadership, only to later emerge as senator and subsequently serve two terms as governor. He expressed confidence in what he described as divine timing and destiny.
Despite his grievances, Ayade urged his supporters to remain calm and loyal to the APC, stressing the need to respect constituted authority. He specifically advised them not to purchase nomination forms for the Senate race, in order to avoid contradicting the President’s directive.
“We would support all APC candidates if the President insists on his position,” he said, while also expressing hope that the decision might still be reviewed.
Ayade concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the party and calling for patience among his supporters, even as he appealed to the President’s conscience regarding what he described as his contributions and expectations of political reward.